Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Peabody Energy · Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 2017 17101_R01 Page ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Global Acoustics were

Wambo Coal Mine and RailSpur

________________________________________

Environmental Noise Monitoring

March 2017

Prepared for

Wambo Coal Pty Limited________________________________________

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 201717101_R01 Page i

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur

Environmental Noise MonitoringMarch 2017

Reference: 17101_R01Report date: 31 May 2017

Prepared forWambo Coal Pty LimitedPMB 1Singleton NSW 2330

Prepared byGlobal Acoustics Pty LtdPO Box 3115Thornton NSW 2322

Prepared: Joel CurranAcoustic Consultant

QA Review: Katie WeekesEnvironmental Scientist (Acoustics)

Global Acoustics Pty Ltd ~ Environmental noise modelling and impact assessment ~ Sound power testing ~ Noisecontrol advice ~ Noise and vibration monitoring ~ OHS noise monitoring and advice ~ Expert evidence in Land andEnvironment and Compensation Courts ~ Architectural acoustics ~ Blasting assessments and monitoring ~ Noisemanagement plans (NMP) ~ Sound level meter and noise logger sales and hire

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 201717101_R01 Page ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYGlobal Acoustics were engaged by Wambo Coal (WC) to conduct a noise survey around the Wambo CoalMine (WCM), and the Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS).

A noise survey around both the WCM and the WCRS is required monthly as a condition of their currentdevelopment consents (relevant extracts from both are provided in the following report sections).

Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken during the night of 7/8 March 2017.

Attended noise monitoring was conducted at a total of four locations for WCM and the WCRS (see Figure 1)during March 2017.

The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment around the WCM andWCRS and compare results with relevant development consent conditions or modelled EIS noise levels.

Attended monitoring was conducted during the night period in accordance with the EPA ‘Industrial NoisePolicy’ (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 ‘Acoustics, Description and Measurement ofEnvironmental Noise’. The duration of each measurement was 15 minutes.

Operational Noise Assessment

Noise levels from WCM and WCRS complied with the LAeq,15minute and LA1,1minute development

consent criteria at all monitoring locations during the March 2017 survey.

Low Frequency Noise Assessment

None of the 4 measurements occurred during which WCM was measurable (not “inaudible” or “notmeasurable”), within 5 dB of the relevant criterion and where meteorological conditions resulted in criteriaapplying (in accordance with the EPL). No further analysis of low frequency noise was required.

Global Acoustics Pty Ltd

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 201717101_R01 Page iii

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background............................................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Monitoring Locations and Frequency................................................................................................................2

1.3 Terminology & Abbreviations.............................................................................................................................4

1.4 Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent and EPL........................................................................................5

1.5 Wambo Coal Rail Spur Development Consent.................................................................................................6

1.6 INP Modifying Factors.........................................................................................................................................7

1.6.1 Tonality, Intermittent and Impulsive Noise...................................................................................................7

1.6.2 Low Frequency Noise......................................................................................................................................7

2 METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................................................9

2.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................................9

2.2 Attended Noise Monitoring.................................................................................................................................9

2.3 Meteorological Data............................................................................................................................................10

2.4 Weather Conditions............................................................................................................................................10

2.5 Attended Noise Monitoring Equipment..........................................................................................................11

3 RESULTS......................................................................................................................................................................12

3.1 Monitoring Locations.........................................................................................................................................12

3.2 Plant Locations....................................................................................................................................................12

3.3 Attended Noise Monitoring...............................................................................................................................13

3.3.1 Wambo Coal Mine Noise..............................................................................................................................13

3.3.2 Low Frequency Assessment..........................................................................................................................14

3.4 Atmospheric Conditions....................................................................................................................................15

4 DISCUSSION..............................................................................................................................................................16

4.1 Noted Noise Sources..........................................................................................................................................16

4.1.1 N01, 7 March 2017.......................................................................................................................................18

4.1.2 N03, 7 March 2017.......................................................................................................................................19

4.1.3 N16, 7 March 2017.......................................................................................................................................20

4.1.4 N23, 7 March 2017.......................................................................................................................................21

5 SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................................................22

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 201717101_R01 Page iv

5.1 Operational Noise Assessment.........................................................................................................................22

5.2 Low Frequency Assessment..............................................................................................................................22

AppendicesA DEVELOPMENT CONSENT AND EPL............................................................................................................23B CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES.........................................................................................................................33C METEOROLOGICAL DATA................................................................................................................................38

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 201717101_R01 Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Global Acoustics were engaged by Wambo Coal (WC) to conduct a noise survey around the Wambo CoalMine (WCM), and the Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS). The mine and spur operate under separatedevelopment consents and have been monitored separately. Reporting, however, has been combined in thisdocument.

Wambo Coal operates both open cut and underground mining operations from their mine at Warkworth,NSW. The open cut operations include use of heavy mobile equipment in open cut pits, on haul roads andon waste rock emplacements. The underground operations have surface facilities. Both operations utilise acoal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) including conveyors, bins and other material-handlinginfrastructure.

The WCRS is located between Mt Thorley and Warkworth Village, New South Wales (as shown in Figure 1)and includes the following components:

• a product coal stockpile and reclaim area, product coal conveyor, train loadout bin, rail loop and arail spur from the Wambo Coal Mine to Mount Thorley;

• rail transport of product coal to the market, an intermittent activity that can take place at any time;and

• a locomotive refuelling facility.

A noise survey around both the WCM and the WCRS is required monthly as detailed in the NoiseManagement Plan (NMP).

Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on the night of 7/8 March 2017.

The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment around WCM and WCRSand compare results with relevant limits.


1.2 Monitoring Locations and Frequency

Attended noise monitoring was conducted at a total of four locations for WCM and the WCRS. Table 1.1outlines the monitor type and frequency for the noise monitoring locations shown in Figure 1.

Table 1.1: WAMBO COAL MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY1

Site Reference Site Location2 Monitor Type ConsentRequirements

Frequency

N01 Lambkin Residence Attended Mine DevelopmentConsent

Monthly

N03 Kelly Residence Real-time & Attended Mine and Rail SpurDevelopment Consents

Continuous & Monthly

N16 Muller Residence Real-time & Attended Mine DevelopmentConsent

Continuous & Monthly

N20 Thelander Residence Real-time Mine DevelopmentConsent

Continuous

N21 Wambo SouthResidence

Real-time Mine DevelopmentConsent

Continuous

N23 Redmanvale Road Attended Mine DevelopmentConsent

Monthly

Notes:

1. Sourced from the Wambo Coal Noise Monitoring Plan – EMP008, February 2014; and

2. Monthly attended monitoring locations are shown in italics.


Source: Google Maps

Figure 1: WCM Attended Noise Monitoring Locations


1.3 Terminology & Abbreviations

Some definitions of terms and abbreviations, which may be used in this report, are provided in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2: TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVIATIONS

Descriptor Definition

LA The A-weighted root mean squared (RMS) noise level at any instant

LAmax The maximum A-weighted noise level over a time period or for an event

LA1 The noise level which is exceeded for 1 per cent of the time

LA10The noise level which is exceeded for 10 percent of the time, which is approximately the

average of the maximum noise levels

LA50 The noise level which is exceeded for 50 per cent of the time

LA90The level exceeded for 90 percent of the time, which is approximately the average of the

minimum noise levels. The LA90 level is often referred to as the “background” noiselevel and is commonly used to determine noise criteria for assessment purposes

LAmin The minimum A-weighted noise level over a time period or for an event

LAeq The average noise energy during a measurement period

dB(A)Noise level measurement units are decibels (dB). The “A” weighting scale is used to

describe human response to noise

SPLSound pressure level (SPL), fluctuations in pressure measured as 10 times a logarithmic

scale, the reference pressure being 20 micropascals

SELSound exposure level (SEL), the A-weighted noise energy during a measurement period

normalised to one second

Hertz (Hz)Cycles per second, the frequency of fluctuations in pressure, sound is usually a

combination of many frequencies together

VTGVertical temperature gradient in degrees Celsius per 100 metres altitude. Estimated from

wind speed and sigma theta data

SC Stability Class. Estimated from wind speed and sigma theta data

Day This is the period 7:00am to 6:00pm

Evening This is the period 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Night This is the period 10:00pm to 7:00am


1.4 Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent and EPL

WCM was granted consent (DA 305-7-2003) in February 2004, which enables the extension of current opencut and underground mining operations. The latest modification to this consent was approved in October2016. The relevant sections of this modification are reproduced in Appendix A.

The Wambo Coal Environmental Management System, Noise Management Plan (EMP008, February 2014) wasprepared in accordance with Schedule 4. The Noise Management Plan (NMP) indicates that monitoring willbe conducted for WCM activities, and the noise levels to be used for assessment. Monitoring for noise frommining activities is undertaken at the properties numbered N01, N03, N16 and N23.

It should be noted that properties N01 and N03 are subject to acquisition upon request, as detailed inSchedule 4, Condition 1 of DA 305-7-2003. As such, there are no operational noise goals that apply directlyto these properties.

Environment protection licence (EPL) number 529 applies to the site and the noise section of the most recentversion is reproduced in Appendix A.

Table 1.3 summarises relevant noise assessment criteria for WCM.

Table 1.3: WAMBO COAL MINE NOISE CRITERIA

Location Day LAeq,15minute dB

Evening and NightLAeq,15minute dB

Night LA1,1minute dB

N01 2 NA NA NA

N03 2 NA NA NA

N16 1 35 40 50

N23 1 35 38 50

Notes:

1. Criteria from modified development consent DA 305-7-2003; and

2. N01 and N03 are acquisition upon request and criteria are NA ‘not applicable’.

In accordance with the consent and EPL, the noise limits identified in Table 1.3 apply under meteorologicalconditions of:

• wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or

• temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100 metres, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at10 metres above ground level.


1.5 Wambo Coal Rail Spur Development Consent

The WCRS consists of two Development Applications (DA’s):

• The Wambo Rail Loop (DA 177-8-2004), modified in February 2012 to include a rail refuellingfacility; and

• The Wambo Rail Line (DA 235/97).

The Wambo Coal Environmental Management System, Noise Management Plan (EMP008, February 2014) wasprepared in accordance with Schedule 4. The NMP indicates that monitoring will be conducted for WCRSactivities, and the noise levels to be used for assessment. The relevant section of the consent is reproduced inAppendix A.

Monitoring for noise from rail activities has previously been undertaken at properties numbered N01, N24and N25 for rail pass-by noise. Locations N24 and N25 have been removed from the monitoring programfollowing long-term demonstrated compliance. Monitoring is still undertaken at N01 as part of the mineconsent, however, monitoring of the rail activities is no longer required. As detailed in the NMP, monitoringat these locations will recommence following any complaints or if there is a change in rolling stock.

It should be noted that properties at N01 are subject to acquisition upon request, as detailed in Schedule 4,Condition 1 of DA 305-7-2003. As such, there are no operational noise goals that apply directly to thisproperty.

Quarterly monitoring of the rail loading facility is no longer undertaken at N03, due to a demonstratedhistory of compliance. Should anything change with the procedure for refuelling or a resident complaint bereceived, further monitoring will be undertaken to determine changes to received noise levels.


1.6 INP Modifying Factors

Noise monitoring and reporting is carried out generally in accordance with the Environment ProtectionAuthority (EPA) 'Industrial Noise Policy' (INP). Chapter 4 of the INP deals specifically with modifyingfactors that may apply to industrial noise. The most common modifying factors are addressed in detailbelow.

As detailed in L4.3 of the EPL:

The modification factors in Section 4 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy shall also be applied to the measurednoise levels where applicable.

1.6.1 Tonality, Intermittent and Impulsive Noise

As defined in the Industrial Noise Policy:

Tonal noise contains a prominent frequency and is characterised by a definite pitch.

Impulsive noise has high peaks of short duration and a sequence of such peaks.

Intermittent noise is characterised by the level suddenly dropping to the background noise levels several timesduring a measurement, with a noticeable change in noise level of at least 5 dB. Intermittent noise applies tonight-time only.

Years of monitoring have indicated that noise levels from mining operations, particularly those levelsmeasured at significant distances from the source are relatively continuous. Given this, noise levels fromWCM at the monitoring locations are unlikely to be intermittent. In addition, there is no equipment on sitethat is likely to generate tonal or impulsive noise as defined in the INP.

1.6.2 Low Frequency Noise

INP Method

As defined in the Industrial Noise Policy:

Low frequency noise contains major components within the low frequency range (20 Hz to 250 Hz) of the frequency spectrum.

As detailed in Chapter 4 of the INP, low frequency noise should be assessed by measuring the site onlyC- weighted and site only A-weighted level over the same time period. The correction/penalty of 5 dB isapplied if the difference between the two levels is 15 dB or more.


Broner Method

Low frequency noise can also be assessed using the method specified in the paper “A Simple Method for LowFrequency Noise Emission Assessment” (Broner JLFNV Vol29-1 pp1-14 2010). If the site only C-weighted noiselevel at a receptor exceeds the relevant modifying factor trigger, a 5 dB penalty (modifying factor) is addedto predicted levels. This method is included to provide a comparison with the INP method.

Low Frequency Assessment Methods

Low frequency assessment methods are detailed in Table 1.4.

Table 1.4: LOW FREQUENCY ASSESSMENT METHODS AND MODIFYING FACTOR TRIGGERS

Method Calculation Method Night Period ModifyingFactor Trigger

Day Period ModifyingFactor Trigger

Broner, 2010 Site only LCeq >60 >65

INP, total Site only LCeq minus site only LAeq >=15 >=15

The EPA is currently undertaking a review of the assessment of low frequency noise. While a DraftIndustrial Noise Guideline (ING) was released in September 2015, low frequency noise results from WCMhave been compared to the assessment methods and modifying factor triggers presented above. Theapplicability of these triggers has been considered when applying low frequency modifying factorcorrections.


2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Overview

Noise monitoring was conducted at the nearest residences in accordance with the Environment ProtectionAuthority (EPA) ‘Industrial Noise Policy’ (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 ‘Acoustics,Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise’. WCM was in operation for all monitoring.

A measurement of LA1,1minute corresponds to the highest noise level generated for 0.6 second during one

minute. In practical terms this is the highest noise level emitted from the Wambo Coal noise source duringthe entire measurement period (i.e. the highest level of the worst minute during the 15-minutemeasurement).

As indicated in the consent conditions, the LA1,1minute measurement should be undertaken at 1 metre fromthe dwelling façade and the LAeq,15minute measurement within 30 metres of the dwelling. However, the

direct measurement of noise at 1 metre from the façade is not practical during monitoring for this project. Inmost cases, monitoring near the residence is impractical due to barking dogs or issues with obtaining access.In all cases, measurements for this survey were undertaken at a suitable and representative location.

Weather forecasts of predicted wind speeds and rainfall are always previewed prior to commencement ofmonitoring. Approval to undertake monitoring is then sought from our client. This procedure gives the bestchance of monitoring during suitable atmospheric conditions. However, forecasts are computer modelsgenerated for a general area based on a number of atmospheric variables. These models are often generated12 to 24 hours prior to commencement of monitoring and are only as accurate as the model inputs.

2.2 Attended Noise Monitoring

Attended noise monitoring was conducted at all locations during the night period. The duration of allmeasurements was 15 minutes.

Jesse Tribby and Ryan Bruniges conducted attended monitoring.

Attended monitoring is preferred to the use of loggers when determining compliance with prescribed limits;it allows an accurate determination of the contribution, if any, to measured noise levels by the source ofinterest (in this case WCM).


The terms 'Inaudible' (IA) or 'Not Measurable' (NM) may be used in this report. When site noise is noted asIA, no site noise was audible at the monitoring location. NM indicates that some site noise was audible, butindeterminate due to one of the following reasons:

• site noise levels were insignificant and unlikely, in many cases, to be even noticed; or

• site noise levels were masked by another relatively loud noise source, but were estimated to be lessthan LAeq 30 dB, which is insignificant in terms of any applicable criterion.

If site noise was NM due to masking but estimated to be significant in relation to a relevant criterion, wewould employ methods as per the Industrial Noise Policy (e.g. measure closer and back calculate) todetermine a value for reporting. All sites noted NM in this report are due to insignificant absolute values.

2.3 Meteorological Data

Meteorological data was obtained from the Wambo meteorological station. Atmospheric parametersincluded wind speed, wind direction, rainfall and sigma theta. This data allowed correlation of atmosphericparameters and measured noise levels. Meteorological data was available in 5 minute intervals.

When meteorological data is provided in less than 15-minute intervals, an analysis must be conducted todetermine the meteorological conditions present for the majority of the measurement period and whetherthose conditions relate to noise criteria being applicable. In order to accurately compare 5-minutemeteorological data to 15-minute noise level measurement periods, a rolling 15-minute meteorologicalinterval was produced by converting each 5-minute meteorological interval into an average of the precedingthree 5-minute intervals. The rolling 15-minute meteorological interval which most closely matched the15-minute noise level measurement period was then adopted as the predominant meteorological conditionsfor that measurement period.

Where rolling averages could not be used (such as for VTG and stability class), the predominant condition,corresponding with the majority of 5-minute meteorological intervals, was adopted.

2.4 Weather Conditions

Weather conditions were recorded at each location during each noise level measurement. Although theconsent is not specific as to where the meteorological data should be sourced, information from WCM hasbeen used as it is measured with an elevated anemometer as is required by the consent. The anemometer atWCM is not overly distant from the monitoring locations and is considered to be representative of thegeneral area. Wind speeds measured at 10 metres above ground are usually higher than those measuredcloser to ground level. In accordance with consent conditions, noise criteria only apply in wind speeds up to3 metres per second.


2.5 Attended Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment used to measure environmental noise levels are listed in Table 2.1. Calibration certificates areprovided in Appendix B.

Table 2.1: ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING EQUIPMENT

Model Serial Number Calibration Due Date

Rion NA-28 sound level analyser 00370304 16/11/2018

Larson Davis CAL150 acoustic calibrator 3333 30/09/2018

Rion NA-28 sound level analyser 960042 02/11/2017

ARL ND9 acoustic calibrator 225020 27/10/2018


3 RESULTS

3.1 Monitoring Locations

There were a total of four attended noise monitoring locations during this survey as listed in Table 3.1 andshown in Figure 1.

Table 3.1: WAMBO ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS

Descriptor Monitoring Location

N01 367 Wambo Road, Bulga

N03 1071 Jerrys Plains Road, Warkworth

N16 Rear of 'Kilburnie', Golden Highway, Jerrys Plains

N23 207 Redmanvale Road, Jerrys Plains

3.2 Plant Locations

During monitoring undertaken on 7/8 March 2017 between 22:00 and 00:00, equipment in operation was asfollows:

• EX211 MP/23/WRA load out last of Ryder A coal;

• EX211 MP/22/WMAO conventional bench Wambo A waste to RL52 dump;

• EX212 GM/01/GMAO top load GMA parting to Legra dump;

• EX213 ME/02/WMAO double bench through access ramp RL112, waste to RL124 dump;

• EX214 out on service;

• EX215 MP/25/WWAO double bench Whybrow waste to RL101 ramp dump; and

• Loader 393, 4 trucks, B/S U/G coal to CHPP.


3.3 Attended Noise Monitoring

Noise levels measured at each location during attended 15 minute surveys are provided in Table 3.2;discussion as to the noise sources responsible for these measured levels is provided in Chapter 4 of thisreport.

Table 3.2: MEASURED NOISE LEVELS – MARCH, 20171

Location Start Date andTime

LAmax dB

LA1 dB

LA10 dB

LA50 dB

LAeq dB

LA90 dB

LAmin dB

LCeq dB

N01 07/03/2017 22:11 55 48 39 36 38 35 32 53

N03 07/03/2017 23:40 74 52 45 37 43 35 34 66

N16 07/03/2017 22:41 44 40 37 36 36 34 32 53

N23 07/03/2017 22:02 56 40 38 36 36 34 32 55

Notes:

1. Levels in this table are not necessarily the result of activity at WCM or WCRS.

3.3.1 Wambo Coal Mine Noise

Noise levels generated by activity at Wambo mine are shown in Table 3.3 and Table 3.4, where comparison ofmeasured LAeq,15minute and LA1,1minute levels for WCM is made with relevant noise criteria.

Table 3.3: LAeq,15minute GENERATED BY WCM AGAINST NOISE CRITERIA – MARCH, 2017

Location Start Date and Time Wind Speedm/s

VTGoC/100m7

CriterionLAeq,15min

dB 1

CriterionApplies? 3,9

WCMLAeq,15min

dB 4,5

Exceedance6,8

N012 07/03/2017 22:11 1.6 0.5 NA NA IA NA

N032 07/03/2017 23:40 2.7 0.3 NA NA 36 NA

N16 07/03/2017 22:41 1.6 1.3 40 Yes 33 Nil

N23 07/03/2017 22:02 1.7 0.5 38 Yes 33 Nil

Notes:

1. Development consent criterion;

2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation, criterion not applicable (NA);

3. Noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of:

• Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or

• Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level.

4. Estimated or measured LAeq,15minute attributed to WCM;

5. NM denotes WCM audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible;

6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and so criterion is notapplicable, or, there is no applicable criterion;

7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures;

8. Bold and red text indicate an exceedance of relevant criterion; and

9. Criterion may or may not apply due to rounding of meteorological data values.


Table 3.4: LA1,1minute GENERATED BY WCM AGAINST NOISE CRITERIA – MARCH, 2017

Location Start Date and Time Wind Speedm/s

VTGoC/100m7

CriterionLA1,1min

dB 1

CriterionApplies? 3,9

WCMLA1,1min

dB 4,5

Exceedance6,8

N012 07/03/2017 22:11 1.6 0.5 NA NA IA NA

N032 07/03/2017 23:40 2.7 0.3 NA NA 42 NA

N16 07/03/2017 22:41 1.6 1.3 50 Yes 35 Nil

N23 07/03/2017 22:02 1.7 0.5 50 Yes 38 Nil

Notes:

1. Development consent criterion;

2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation, criterion not applicable (NA);

3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of:

• Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or

• Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level.

4. Estimated or measured LA1,1minute attributed to WCM;

5. NM denotes WCM audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible;

6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and so criterion is notapplicable, or, there is no applicable criterion;

7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures;

8. Bold and red text indicate an exceedance of relevant criterion; and

9. Criterion may or may not apply due to rounding of meteorological data values.

3.3.2 Low Frequency Assessment

Table 3.5 provides statistics for attended noise monitoring undertaken around WCM during March 2017.

Table 3.5: ATTENDED MEASUREMENT STATISTICS FOR WCM – MARCH, 2017

Conditions Total for March 2017

Number of measurements 4

Number of measurements where WCM was measurable,within 5 dB of the relevant criterion and criterion applied

0

None of the four measurements occurred during which WCM was measurable (not “inaudible” or 'notmeasurable”), within 5 dB of the relevant criterion and where meteorological conditions resulted in criteriaapplying (in accordance with the EPL). No further analysis of low frequency noise was required.


3.4 Atmospheric Conditions

Atmospheric condition data measured at each location are shown in Table 3.6. Data is routinely recorded ona site-by-site basis to show conditions during the monitoring period. Monitoring is not undertaken duringperiods of rain or hail.

Table 3.6: MEASURED ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS – MARCH, 2017

Location Start Date and Time Temperaturedegrees

Wind Speed m/s

Wind DirectionMN

Cloud Covereighths

N01 07/03/2017 22:11 19 1.3 135 0

N03 07/03/2017 23:40 18 0.0 - 2

N16 07/03/2017 22:41 18 1.3 170 0

N23 07/03/2017 22:02 20 0.7 140 0

Notes:

1. Wind speed and direction measured at 1.8 metres; and

2. '-' indicates calm conditions.

Data obtained concurrently by the meteorological station and used for compliance assessment is provided inAppendix C.


4 DISCUSSION

4.1 Noted Noise Sources

Table 3.2 presents data gathered during attended monitoring. These noise levels are the result of manysounds reaching the sound level meter microphone during monitoring. Received levels from various noisesources were noted during attended monitoring and particular attention was paid to the contribution ofWCM, if any, to measured levels. At each receptor location, the LAeq,15minute and LA1,1minute (night-

time only) for the WCM (in the absence of any other noise) was, where possible, measured directly, or,determined by frequency analysis. These levels are summarised in Table 3.3 and Table 3.4. Time variationsof noise sources in each measurement, their temporal characteristics, are taken into account via statisticaldescriptors.

From these observations summaries have been derived for each location. The following chapter sectionsprovide these summaries. Statistical 1/3 octave band analysis of environmental noise was undertaken, andFigure 3 to Figure 6 display the frequency ranges for various noise sources at each location for LA1, LA10,LA90, and LAeq. These figures also provide, graphically, statistical information for these noise levels.

An example is provided as Figure 2 where it can be seen that frogs and insects are generating noise atfrequencies above 1000 Hz; mining noise is at frequencies less than 1000 Hz (this is typical). Adding levels atfrequencies that relate to mining only allows separate statistical results to be calculated. This analysis cannotalways be performed if there are significant levels of other noise at the same frequencies as mining; this canbe dogs, cows, or, most commonly, road traffic.

It should be noted that the method of summing statistical values up to a cut-off frequency can overstate theLA1 result by a small margin but is entirely accurate for LAeq.


Figure 2: Sample graph (see Section 5.1 for explanatory note)


4.1.1 N01, 7 March 2017

WCM was inaudible.

A continuum from another mine combined with insects to generate the LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90.

Dogs and birds were also noted.

Figure 3: Environmental Noise Levels, N01 - Lambkin


4.1.2 N03, 7 March 2017

A CHPP and exhaust continuum from WCM was audible during the measurement, resulting in an LAeq of36 dB. Surges in exhaust noise generated the LA1,1minute of 42 dB.

Road traffic contributed to the LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Activities at WCM contributed to the LA1, LA10 andLAeq and was responsible for the measured LA90. Insects were minor contributors to the measured LAeq.

Breeze in foliage was also noted.

Figure 4: Environmental Noise Levels, N03 - Kelly


4.1.3 N16, 7 March 2017

An exhaust, engine and fan continuum and dozer tracks from WCM were audible during the measurement,resulting in a site only LAeq of 33 dB. Surges in the continuum generated the LA1,1minute of 35 dB.

Another mine continuum contributed to the LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90. WCM and insects also contributedto the LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90.

Road traffic tyre noise was also noted.

Figure 5: Environmental Noise Levels, N16 - Muller


4.1.4 N23, 7 March 2017

An exhaust, engine and fan continuum from WCM was audible during the measurement, resulting in a siteonly LAeq of 33 dB. Surges in exhaust noise generated the LA1,1minute of 38 dB.

Activities at WCM, insects, and frogs combined to generate the LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90.

Dogs, breeze in foliage, bats and road traffic noise were also noted.

Figure 6: Environmental Noise Levels, N23 - Carter


5 SUMMARY

Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken during the night of 7/8 March 2017.

5.1 Operational Noise AssessmentNoise levels from WCM complied with the LAeq,15minute and LA1,1minute development consent criteria

at all monitoring locations during the March 2017 survey.

5.2 Low Frequency Assessment

None of the 4 measurements occurred during which WCM was measurable (not “inaudible” or “notmeasurable”), within 5 dB of the relevant criterion and where meteorological conditions resulted in criteriaapplying (in accordance with the EPL). No further analysis of low frequency noise was required.

Global Acoustics Pty Ltd


APPENDIX

A DEVELOPMENT CONSENT AND EPL


A.1 WAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTA.1.1 Relevant Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent Conditions

The relevant sections of the October 2016 modified conditions are reproduced below:





A.2 WAMBO RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENTThe relevant sections of the February 2012 modified conditions for the rail spur are reproduced below:



A.3 WAMBO RAIL LINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTThe relevant sections of the 1998 conditions for the rail line are reproduced below:


A.4 WAMBO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE NUMBER 529The relevant sections of the EPL are reproduced below:



APPENDIX

B CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES






APPENDIX

C METEOROLOGICAL DATA


METEOROLOGICAL DATA FROM WCM WEATHER STATION

End Date and Time Wind Speed Average m/s Wind Direction AverageDegrees

Sigma Theta

07/03/2017 22:00 1.6 135 22.4

07/03/2017 22:05 1.9 133 15.2

07/03/2017 22:10 1.3 147 12.6

07/03/2017 22:15 1.9 151 15.2

07/03/2017 22:20 1.4 142 15.1

07/03/2017 22:25 1.6 143 13.3

07/03/2017 22:30 1.1 137 15.2

07/03/2017 22:35 1.0 159 7.9

07/03/2017 22:40 0.7 152 7.2

07/03/2017 22:45 1.8 156 17.1

07/03/2017 22:50 1.3 130 13.4

07/03/2017 22:55 1.6 116 12.1

07/03/2017 23:00 1.5 118 13.3

07/03/2017 23:05 1.3 107 18.8

07/03/2017 23:10 1.0 106 17.9

07/03/2017 23:15 0.9 95 13.2

07/03/2017 23:20 0.5 117 47.6

07/03/2017 23:25 0.8 136 34.0

07/03/2017 23:30 0.7 161 36.0

07/03/2017 23:35 1.5 160 18.5

07/03/2017 23:40 1.0 135 16.4

07/03/2017 23:45 1.6 162 16.3

07/03/2017 23:50 3.1 166 16.6

07/03/2017 23:55 3.3 172 11.0

08/03/2017 00:00 2.3 172 8.9

Notes - “NA” indicates data was not available.

Documents

Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Peabody Energy · Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur - Environmental Noise Monitoring March 2017 17101_R01 Page ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Global Acoustics were